Nestled in the rich agricultural region of Watsonville, California, Yerena Farms is a family-run organic farm with deep roots and a story that spans more than four decades. Founded by Apolinar “Poli” Yerena and his family, the farm began in the early 1980s when the Yerena brothers started leasing land after years of working in strawberry production. What began as a conventional berry operation has since evolved into a fully organic farm, guided by a commitment to sustainability, quality, and care for the land.

It all began in 1939, when Michele Iacopi settled in Pescadro after immigrating from Italy. By 1962, his son Louis had launched his own farming operation in Hlaf Moon Bay, in 1979 the family moved to their current 165-acre site. Tucked into a memorable peninsula. 

What separates Iacopi apart is their beans. In the 1930s, Michele Iacopi boriught beans stock over from Italy, and most of their dried bean varieties trace back to those very seeds. The farm is best known for its fresh shelling and dry beans; the coastal climate is a big part of why they taste so exceptional. It is that climate that has allowed the farm to expand to fava beans, Blue Lake beans, artichokes, English peas nad snap peas. 

 Since the early 1990s, the Lokham family has been a staple of the California farming community. For the last 20 years, they’ve brought their incredible diversity of crops to the Heart of the City Farmers Market.

Oulay Lokham prides herself on offering a "One-Stop Shop," ensuring that whether you need Sugarcane, Lemongrass, or even Gallon, you can find it all in one place.

Brandt Beef, a California family-run operation dedicated to producing beef with integrity, transparency, and care for the land. Raised on open pastures and finished on a thoughtfully balanced vegetarian diet, Brandt Beef is known for its rich flavor, tenderness, and consistent quality. Their approach prioritizes animal welfare and environmental responsibility—no added hormones, no unnecessary shortcuts, just time-honored practices done well.

Blossom Bluff Orchards produces over 100 varieties of certified organic tree fruit as well as additional varieties of vine fruit, like kiwis. They market their fruit directly through farmers' markets and to restaurants and stores. Known for their legendary peaches, nectarines, apricots, and pluots, Blossom Bluff brings unmatched flavor to every farmers' market stall and kitchen table they touch.

Wife-and-husband team Kalayada Ammatya and James Beutel (“K” and “J”) started farming in 1982. James was a professor of pomology, the horticultural study and cultivation of fruit. Kalayada was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, and is a registered nurse. The family believes in using natural growing methods and maximizing the use of the sun. They prune their fruit trees in the summer to provide the most sun exposure to each tree, which then stimulates growth and, they believe, leads to sweeter fruit. 

Ruben Avila and Dominga Nunez founded Avila Farms in Watsonville in 2002. What began as a small family endeavor has grown into a true family legacy. Today, their children Jeanette and Mateo work alongside them, helping to plant, harvest, and sell their crops at local farmers markets. With 23 acres of farmland in Hollister, the Avila family cultivates their produce using organic practices and organic seeds, and they are currently in the process of becoming certified organic.

Foodwise, the incredible nonprofit that brings local farmers, food makers, and communities together at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. 

Flannery Beef boasts a rich history steeped in tradition and quality. Starting with Bryan Flannery Sr, the company's story begins with a passion for exceptional meat that has been passed down through generations. With a focus on sourcing the highest quality beef from within the United States, Flannery Beef has garnered a reputation for excellence among chefs and consumers alike.

Dirty Girl Produce is a 40 acre Certified Organic family farm located in Santa Cruz County, CA. We grow over 20 varieties of fruits and vegetables and sell our produce to customers and restaurants at farmer’s markets in Santa Cruz, Berkeley, and San Francisco. 

Roscoe’s grandfather arrived in the Delta area in the 1920s and fell in love with the rich soil. When asked what he likes most about farming, Roscoe replies, “I like knowing that I’m doing something that others are enjoying and that I’m helping to feed the world.”

Amanda heads up our Social Media team. We’ve been working with Amanda for many years and value her dedication.